Socrates' discussions in Plato's early dialogues are predominantly concerned with value-concepts.The discussions often start with the social roles which Socrates' partners play and the virtues associated with those roles.They react to a widespread uncertainty concerning the decline of moral as well as a reassessment of values,all of which took place in the course of the fifth century.Plato's Socrates tried to prove that one's life should be guided by standards such as true justice.In this context,he also referred to Hesiod,who had advanced a new concept of justice in reaction to a private problem,but also in an effort to contribute to a change of values in the society of his time (the 8th century).Thus,to some extant Hesiod can be regarded as a forerunner of those like Plato who tried to establish fixed norms which are separated from personal interests and should be observed in order to live a good life.I shall argue that Hesiod's position itself is based on a transformation of an ancient concept and influenced later poets like Aeschylus,Sophocles and,despite his criticism,even Plato.
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